Wearable Monitors To Help Keep You Fit

By DANIELLE BELOPOTOSKY

Published: December 3, 2009

JUST 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week can improve your health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, more companies are offering devices aimed at supporting the active and prompting the less active to step up their physical activity.

MONITORS

Fitbit and Philips both offer wearable monitors that track daily activity levels. Each incorporates a tiny sensor that logs the intensity and duration of movement throughout the day, and both have a Web-based component that stores data about the activity, and lets the wearer set goals while providing varying levels of feedback along the way.

The Fitbit tracker, $99, clips to clothing -- a belt, pocket, or sleeve -- and has a small display that shows the number of steps taken, calories burned and total mileage. After a user has registered on Fitbit's Web site, data can be wirelessly transmitted within 15 feet of the USB base station. The device works best for walking and running, but you can manually log other activities on the Web page, as well as track your weight and log food consumption. Fitbit's motion sensor can also monitor sleep quality. Fitbit can be purchased online at fitbit.com.

Philips's DirectLife monitor takes a different approach, with a membership program that includes a personal coach. After the device is registered and the software downloaded, the user wears it for eight days to assess normal activity levels. Then, the data is uploaded through a USB drive, and you visit your personal Web page where a 12-week activity plan is suggested. Over time, the goals set for you become more ambitious. The Web site also shows your activities hour-by-hour. Philips assigns fitness and health psychology experts to each client, and they will provide nudges by e-mail, as well as provide support and advice.

DirectLife's monitor cannot clip on clothes, but it is small enough to fit in a pocket or a bra. It can also be worn on an included black necklace, and because it is waterproof can be used while swimming. Philips is selling a starter package for $79 (normally $99), which includes a four-month membership. The monthly fee is then $12.50. The device can be bought online at directlife.philips.com.

WATCHES

Mio, a Canadian company, has developed a series of sports watches that can monitor one's heart rate without the traditional chest strap. The Mio Drive Heart Rate watch, $80, also tracks calories burned.

Set up the watch by entering personal information (weight, gender, age) and establish a resting heart rate by placing two fingers on the sensors on the sides of the watch. A calorie countdown program sets a goal of burning 3,500 calories a week, which should typically produce a one-pound loss of weight. As you exercise, the Mio subtracts calories burned and displays how many more need to be burned to reach the goal. The heart rate monitoring is not continuous; the sensors need to be touched periodically (as with a machine at the gym) to get a reading. The more readings taken, the greater the overall accuracy.

Mio also offers two other strapless heart rate watches, the Motiva ($100) and the Breeze ($70). All are available in a petite size for small wrists and are water resistant. For information on where to buy the watches, visit miowatch.com.

Looking at the Garmin Forerunner 301XT watch, you might think it will imbue you with special powers. Its 1.3-inch by 0.8-inch display rests on a 2.1-inch by 2.2-inch casing. The rubber band is about an inch wide, and it shouts durability.

The 301XT, priced at $350, is made for triathletes. GPS-enabled, it tracks distance, pace and heart rate when paired with a heart rate monitor strap. The 301XT has a timer, can be set to an auto lap mode and lets you customize workouts. It can be mounted to a bike, and when used with the GSC10, a $60 add-on, can monitor pedaling cadence. It is waterproof up to 50 meters.

Harnessing Garmin's expertise in GPS, the 301XT also incorporates the company's advanced HotFix technology, which tries to predict your satellite position for a faster connection and more accurate tracking under tree coverage or in urban settings.

Paths and elevation can be viewed on the display and then saved for a workout log -- a great tool for those who want to train on the same course and monitor their progress over time. The path display also takes you back to a course's starting point. It also has a virtual compass and shows the distance and travel time to a previously saved location.

The Forerunner 301XT can be found online at retailers including REI, Paragon Sports and the Sports Authority. Or search Garmin.com for local retailers.

BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITOR

More than 23 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, so chances are you know someone affected by the disease. Here's a helpful device for them.

The Contour USB meter from Bayer lets users test their glucose levels and share that information with their doctor. The system includes the meter, a Microlet lancing device and lancets (tiny needles used to prick the skin) and testing strips. Insert a testing strip into the meter to activate a reading, and then dab the blood on the other end of the strip. After a few seconds, the glucose level will appear on the screen. Enter whether the reading was taken before or after a meal and set up a reminder for the next test. The meter can hold 2,000 test results.

When the device is connected to a computer, Glucofacts software automatically uploads results. From there, users can see how their levels trend, and if they are near the goals set by their physician. The data can be saved and sent to the doctor by e-mail or be printed out.

Bayer's Contour USB meter (bayercontourusb.us) is available through Walgreen's online pharmacy for $75 and will soon be offered online at CVS and Wal-Mart.

PHOTOS: BIG BROTHER: The Fitbit tracker clips to clothing and keeps track of the number of steps you've taken, calories burned and total mileage.; DOCTOR'S ORDERS: The Bayer Contour USB meter tests glucose levels and shares the information with a doctor.; IT'S GOT THE BEAT: The Mio Drive Heart Rate watch, below, keeps an eye on your heart but also tracks the number of calories burned.; FOR TRIATHLETES: The Garmin Forerunner 301XT watch can track distance, pace and heart rate. The device also has a timer and can be set to an auto lap mode.